Tennessee carrier commemorates golden anniversary

By Wright Media staff

JACKSON, Tenn. — Milan Supply Chain Solutions celebrated 50 years in the trucking business Thursday and did it with the help of an old friend.

The company 17-year-old Tommy Ross started as Milan Express on June 16, 1969, brought out that first truck in service as a centerpiece of the festivities.

The truck, which still works and is housed in a garage in Milan, Tenn., was used for several years in the local Christmas parade.

From those humble beginnings, the company has grown to a carrier that serves the Southeast Region with more than 600 tractors and 1,400 trailers while also providing warehousing, distribution and brokerage services.

In September 2014 it partnered with HCI Equity Partners and changed its name to Milan Supply Chain Solutions to better reflect its services. 

“This is huge for Milan,” senior vice president Amy Cowen said of the milestone anniversary. “Think about it: It started with one truck and two trailers in 1969 and with all the competition and all the regulation changes and all the economy’s ups and downs, this company is still around 50 years later and still doing what it does best.”

Milan has been celebrating the anniversary the entire month, honoring customers, suppliers and, most of all, its employees — past and present. Milan has more than 600 workers, with the majority living in West Tennessee.  

“Since joining Milan, I can attest to the dedication of our employees and the values our company bring to the community and to this industry,” president Kevin Charlebois said. “Our mission continues to be the industry leader in transportation and distribution solutions with a commitment to excellence.

“With our team of dedicated employees and core values as our foundation, we are a business partner that delivers safe, reliable and diverse solutions.

Photo: Milan Supply Chain Solutions president Kevin Charlebois (L) stands with past president John Ross and John's wife Missy in front of the company's first truck in service in 1969.